Mr. Ma Zhanwu, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, visited St. Lawrence High School for the second time to attend the opening ceremony as the chief guest for the 3rd students’ exchange program with Yunnan Nationalities High School in China on 13 May 2016. Consul Zhang Jing and Consular Attache Chen Ankai accompanied him. Including the other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Fr. Jerome Francis, SJ, Fr. Sebastian James, SJ (Principal), Fr. Joseph Toppo (Vice Principal, Higher Secondary Section) and Fr. Markus Hembrom (Vice Principal, Primary Section), Ms. Moon Ray and Ms.Chaitali Roy (Co-ordinators of the Chinese Exchange Programme).
It is worthwhile mentioning the role played by Fr. Jerome Francis, SJ, who is also the initiator of the Chinese Exchange Programme and has played a key role in opening a new chapter of India-China relations, where both countries can share and exchange rich cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ma emphasized that China and India both have ancient civilizations and have had friendly exchanges and learned from each other for thousands of years. He cited examples of Xuanzang and Tagore, who are icons of the enduring friendship between the two countries. Mr. Ma also said that with the help of these Exchange Programmes, the bilateral relations have entered a new era of rapid development. He commended the exchange programme with Yunnan Nationalities High School, as initiated by Principal Fr. Sebastian James, SJ of St. Lawrence High School, and said it has also contributed greatly to the bilateral relations between the two nations.
As the group of the 3rd students’ exchange programme (Fr. Markus Hembrom, SJ, Ms. Moon Ray, Ms. Chaitali Roy and selected students) will soon depart for Kunming, China, Mr. Ma hoped that the students engage themselves into knowing more about the Chinese language, culture and society through this visit, so as to get themselves prepared for their future career as well as to contribute to China-India friendship.
Mr. Ma also keenly observed the cultural performances and the auspicious Chinese tea ceremony performed by the students of St. Lawrence High School. Mr. Ma in turn performed Taiji for the teachers, students and their parents with tremendous zeal and energy, and received a standing ovation from the audience.
13.05.2016
